Single Pilot RVSM Question
 

Hello and Thanks in advance.

Is singe pilot RVSM a federal regulation, certificate program or some kind of standard or protocol?

I know that a FAR 23 VLJ can be RVSM certified, if the OEM seeks it. I understand the pilot must also be RVSM "certified" - but I'm having difficulty finding out what that really means to the FAA, in terms of how such a "certification" is registered - if it is registered at all.

As an RVSM "certified" single pilot, are you issued an endorsement, FSDO acknowledgement, certificate, welcome kit, initiation party, etc. What does it mean legally to be Single Pilot RVSM Certified, I guess is what I am asking.

Come to think of it, I don't even know what the hell I'm asking - but you probably get the point thus far. That is how foggy the whole thing appears to me, at least on the surface. I'm sure that there is a good explanation that I am completely unaware of, however.

Thanks!

Take a look at this. It should answer your questions.

https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/sepa...documentation/

Appendix G to Part 91—Operations in Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) Airspace

Just focus on getting your private pilot and instrument rating for now. Worrying about RVSM right now is the equivalent of a med student worrying about the brand of scalpels they should plan on buying.

Before a part 91 operator can fly in RVSM airspace, that operator must apply for, and be granted permission by way of an LOA (Letter of Authorization) from the FAA. Lucky’s link contains the information that must be submitted in an application package to the operator’s FSDO, but there’s a lot to navigate through if you don’t know what you’re looking for.

In a nutshell, an application package which contains all of the required certified equipment on the airplane, pilot’s training records, maintenance manual (I think this is no longer required), maintenance records and compliance procedures would be submitted to a FSDO. The FSDO reviews these documents and issues an LOA allowing operations in RVSM airspace.

I’m not familiar with single pilot ops, so maybe someone else can chime in if there are any differences other than a single pilot waiver for a two pilot airplane.